Whitby & District Astronomical Society

The scheduled star party on Aug 6th was yet another notch up on the previous two, coinciding with further settled weather; calm and balmy conditions, a Moon ... and finally a planet to observe. Oh and a firework display too!

Keith and Mark at the COM for what was a really enjoyable evening with decent crowds (many there for the Yorkshire Traction fireworks display from Whitby Laithes), but quite a few sat waiting having seen the advertising board. Three scopes were employed -10" dobsonian, 8" dobsonian and a Tal refractor. Poster boards were arrayed against the railings providing a backdrop, encouraging people to wander over and leading to a classic star party vibe. The Moon was low - hiding amongst the chimney stacks adorning the Royal Hotel, and we had to relocate the scopes several times to access a view. The Moon was however not the main observing target, this would hopefully fall to Saturn, visible at last above the SE horizon. It was a nervous wait, but then, there it was and actually not bad in the eyepiece. People were thrilled to view the ringed wonder, and queues formed at the eyepieces. Stars were targeted, then by 22:20 a conspicuous orange beacon was spied above the sea - just off the east cliff face. Distant plane? Chinese lantern? A planet - Jupiter?  We deliberated, Yes it was Jupiter rising. The image was like jelly, but you could not mistake the oblate disk and even Galilean Moons, passers by and those remaining were still enthralled nevertheless. By 23:00 it was time to call it a night, a good evening all round.  

Following the Regatta weekend events, the next scheduled star party for August 20th was clouded out - a fine evening for doing other outdoor activities, just not astronomy. It was a case of - we turned up, we looked up, we deliberated, we left. We did however meet a couple of hopeful new members; Dave and Mark, who came along with new telescope purchased from Grovers at the Regatta. Sadly it stayed in the boot of their car.  And so to Bank Holiday weekend. 

Two events were scheduled - Friday 26th and Sunday 28th. The Friday event, although far from perfect was reasonable, cloud banks tending to frustrate proceedings. That said we did manage to observe Saturn - briefly, and saw Jupiter rise. The image of Saturn was unexpectedly good given the rather low altitude, much to the delight of all. Jupiter was initially unstable, but improved before disappearing into a cloud back -and remaining there. David and Mark again brought their telescope, this time actually getting to use it. As the evening wore on, cloud tended to increase and by 22:30hrs very little clear sky remained. 

The second event over the Bank Holiday weekend on the 28th was clouded out. Mark, Keith, John L, Dave and Mark did venture along to the Archery Green area, but it was evident skies were not for clearing, as can be seen below.